Meeting #002 | February 21, 2023 IN PERSON/on zoom

WEST STUDIO – Colet House

Man from a Missing Land
Screening & Discussion

Made in Switzerland, with the help of Tibetan refugees, ‘Man From a Missing Land’ portrays the Communist Chinese takeover of Tibet, culminating in H.H. the Dalai Lama’s ‘flight to freedom’. Amid a Chinese crackdown in 1959, His Holiness fled Lhasa in disguise with a small entourage which included his mother, his younger brother and some top officials. On reaching India, he rebuked the Chinese for breaking every promise regarding Tibetan autonomy.

Between 1959 and 1969, the USA actively supported Tibetan resistance until funding was abruptly cut by Henry Kissenger, America’s National Security Advisor. This marked a change in America’s attitude to China. Produced at a cost of $73,000 by the United States Information Agency in 1971, ‘Man From a Missing Land’ was suppressed on direct orders from The White House: it was feared the content could jeopardise President Nixon’s planned visit to China the following year. That visit marked a historic change in relations between the two countries. It was the culmination of Nixon administration efforts to resume harmonious relations after almost a quarter of a century of diplomatic isolation.

This film was produced, directed and written by Paul Cohen and shared with his permission by The Meridian Trust.